It's illegal to drive while wearing headphones in both ears in Minnesota, and this month Plymouth police plan to look for drivers who violate the law.
Drivers can have one earbud in, but must have one ear available to hear traffic-related noises, such as the siren from an emergency vehicle, a honking horn or squealing brakes.
The crackdown is meant to help save lives and reduce injuries by educating motorists about the law, said patrol officer Scott Kirchner.
Here is the state statute governing the use of headphones and earbuds:
"No person, while operating a motor vehicle, shall wear headphones or earphones that are used in both ears simultaneously for purposes of receiving or listening to broadcasts or reproductions from radios, tape decks, or other sound-producing or transmitting devices."
TIM HARLOW
